The Chippiparai is an Indian sighthound breed, once upon a time kept by royalty. Rumored to be a descendant of the Saluki, they share the same long-legged, thin-framed build. Despite their frail appearance however, the breed is actually fairly hardy, strong and healthy (the average lifespan is 13-14 years). Their original purpose was hunting game such as deer, hare and even wild boar so they needed to be fierce and resilient during these hunts. These large dogs definitely require plenty of exercise to stay fit when kept primarily as a companion, although once back home from the walk will curl up on the couch and sleep. The breed is very rare in the United States yet is recognized by both of India’s kennel clubs. This said, without continued growth they are unfortunately destined for extinction. Hopefully enough new breeders and fanciers will emerge in time to save this beautiful breed before it’s too late!

The Chippiparai is reported to be a one-man hound. They tend to “imprint” on their owner (or will choose one person in a multi-person household) and will remain dedicated and loyal to that person for the rest of their life. While they can live in a family home, many prefer living in a quiet household without young kids. Most prefer adults over children, but will do fine with older, well-behaved kids. They aren’t too keen on having strangers fawn over them either (a typical sighthound trait) and can even be suspicious of strangers welcomed into the home until they warm up. Nor are they good candidates for homes with small pets.

The Chippiparai can live either in a house or apartment, although does need regular access to a fenced yard to run around in. They can be escape artists capable of jumping extremely high distances, so fences must be able to accommodate this! Their high prey drive combined with their agile and athletic nature means that if they see something they’d like to hunt on the other side of a short fence, they aren’t going to think twice before leaping.

The Chippiparai is an almost-silent breed which is very unobtrusive in the home under most circumstances, however does have a protective streak and can turn instantaneously from a meek hound to a fierce guard if he deems it necessary. He can have a sharp temperament when it comes to possible intruders and won’t hesitate to become a protector of the family and home. Sometimes, his protectiveness can be overdone and he may show possessiveness for “his” bonded human even when it’s not called for. It is for this reason that any owner of a Chippiparai be prepared to train, socialize, and ultimately make sure that the dog shows only appropriate reactions when it comes to guarding behavior! When raised correctly, the proper hound should be even-tempered, albeit aloof.

Very smart, the Chippiparai is one of the more trainable of India’s indigenous breeds and members have even been used as police dogs! They tend to enjoy pleasing their people and do well with consistent and enthusiastic training sessions. This said, many need a firm (though fair) hand as they can be headstrong, although not too firm or they might shut down! A trainer must be ever-ready to walk the tightrope of enforcing rules without destroying confidence when it comes to these hounds.

The Chippiparai’s smooth, single coat is ideal for hot weather climates and makes him very easy to groom. There’s no special trimming required and no need for visits to the groomer. The little coat care that needs to be taken care of is easily accomplished at home, including weekly brushing and infrequent baths. As he is a warm-weather hound, he probably will require a dog jacket when going outside in the wintertime, especially if it’s particularly nippy outside! Don’t skip his daily exercise as it’s a necessity for him – just make sure he’s bundled up before being taken out on a winter-y walk.

Photo by Pankajakshannair Manoj

The Kombai is a sighthound from India, that comes with the catchphrase “a sighthound that is different from the others”. Named for the town he was created in, he was originally used for hunting but also has very strong guard dog instincts and he will guard those he loves with his life. This athletic breed packs a lot more punch than most sighthounds, with a powerfully built frame rather than a slender build, and the ability to kill a bear if necessary! In the past they were most commonly used to hunt wild boar, bison and deer. This breed was even used in the army at one point, and trained to rip out the hamstrings of enemy horses! Today he is very rare and even endangered – only really seen in India. The “ferocious” temperament makes the breed difficult for the majority of pet owners to own.

There is a wide variation in the height of the Kombai. Some can be as short as 23 inches at the withers while others could get as tall as 30 inches! Most fall somewhere in between this range although all are strong and muscular. Because this is a serious guard dog with a propensity for being over-protective, he needs early and frequent training to keep him in check. Adding in the fact that this higher-energy dog needs lots of exercise (both mental and physical) as well and one can see that this is not a good choice for a first-time dog owner. Nor is he a good match for a family as he isn’t fantastic with young children without extensive socialization and constant supervision.

In case it wasn’t obvious, the Kombai isn’t known for his pleasant attitude toward strangers. Highly suspicious, he would not be a good choice for someone who wants a therapy dog. Although he is loyal and loving to his owners, he’s not overtly affectionate. With small pets, he can be a liability because of his prey drive. This temperament is the opposite of what many would want in a family companion – that said, his fiercely protective nature and extreme bravery definitely fulfills a need, and he can be the perfect fit for someone looking for a no-nonsense guard dog.

The Kombai can be stubborn, yet can also be obedient and eager to please when trained by a knowledgeable person. Training should be firm yet fair, and should be a regular consistent part of the dog’s life. This intelligent, yet sensitive hound will not tolerate overly harsh treatment at all. In addition, early socialization is definitely a must to supplement every training program and make sure he grows up stable and steady.

The smooth, red coat of the Kombai sheds a moderately high amount but he fares well in hot weather. He requires very little grooming to keep him healthy and his coat shiny, nor does he need any special trimming. He doesn’t drool, needs only infrequent baths, and is overall easy to keep in terms of coat care. This is also a very hardy breed, with very few health issues and an average lifespan of 13-15 years. Occasionally hip dysplasia, anesthesia sensitivity and skin issues are seen but a responsible breeder should be working on minimizing these issues in their breeding program.

Perhaps surprisingly, the Kombai can be adaptable to many different living situations including apartments as long as his high exercise requirements are fulfilled – meaning several hours a day for such a small living space. It is the rare person who would be able to dedicate that amount of time to exercising the dog, and without it, the owner risks behavior problems including frustration and even owner-directed aggression. The best situation for the prospective Kombai owner is a house with a securely fenced yard, in addition to having the time and experience for this beautiful, yet serious breed.

Photo by Richie2089

The Podenco Valenciano, or Xarnego Valenciano, is a hunting dog that was newly recognized by the Royal Canine Society of Spain. Classified as a primitive hunting hound by some and a sighthound by others (although they hunt using eyesight, hearing and smell), it is a popular breed in the Valencian community of Spain although are virtually unheard of in most of the world. In it’s infancy, the breed was often owned by the lower-class and was used to hunt for rabbits (particularly at night) so the families could have supper. This breed is rugged and healthy, and able to live in scorching hot climates with ease. Finally, along with their great hunting abilities and fantastic health, stories abound of the good nature of these loyal and faithful hounds.

Valencianos can appear in any of three different coat types: smooth, wire, or silky (longhaired) and is the only Mediterranean sighthound that has a longhaired variety of coat. Colors of the breed include cinnamon, black, fawn, or chocolate – all of which can either be solid-colored or mixed with white. They are medium in size and possess large, prick ears like other Podenco breeds. They have a thin yet athletic build and are very active and lively. They do need regular exercise!

The Podenco Valenciano can be obedient and many love to learn tricks! In Spain, many are kept as pets because of their friendly natures and high biddibility. It is not uncommon for them to spend the day with their owners doing multiple tasks, which may or may not include hunting. This said, many are also used to hunt as well – usually small game although sometimes large game as well. Valencianos have been described as proud, self-assured, noble – and above all loyal. They enjoy spending quality time with their favorite people.

The Cretan Hound is a Greek breed, also sometimes referred to as the Kritikos Lagonikos. It is considered by some to be the oldest European dog breed! A very rare dog, he is recognized only in his home country of Greece as well as Germany. Considered by some to be a sighthound and by others to be a primitive hunting breed (of which there is a great overlap), he does have many sighthound physical characteristics including hare feet, a long muzzle with tight lips, and a lean frame with prominent hip bones. The tail is a distinctive breed feature, always being carried in a curve around the back (either tight or fairly loose). Another important feature are the prick ears that are able to move in any direction including folding back on themselves.

Cretans are quick and agile, and possess great stamina. They hunt both by sight as well as by scent and are known for their superb hunting skills and intense drive. If they are chasing something it can be next to impossible to call them off, so care must be taken not to let them off leash in unfenced areas. When they move – either in hunt mode or relaxed – it is always in an elegant manner. They have a curiosity about the world around them and will seek to check new things out, although will usually do so gradually and methodically, particularly with new people who they just met.

The Cretan Hound is affectionate, if not somewhat humble, to his owners as well as being polite in the home. He is clean and easy to keep as long as his needs are met. He gets along well with children and other dogs although will chase cats and small animals! The breed will bark to alert when someone comes to the door but otherwise is surprisingly quiet in everyday life. Overall this is a pleasant and easygoing companion which is tolerant to a wide variety of situations. The Cretan loves to be around others although does need early socialization in order to “function well in society”. At home, he can suffer from separation anxiety if living with an owner that is often gone, so those who work long hours would not make a good match.

Cretan Hounds are medium in size but don’t make good dogs for apartments because they need lots of room to run. While daily walks are important, they also need regular access to a large fenced area. Quite simply, they live to run! As a fairly active dog, they need exposure to activities which challenge their minds as well as bodies. This can be accomplished with games or puzzles at home or exciting adventures outside such as jogging along with a bike! Without stimulation they can become bored and develop behavior problems. Unlike related breeds, they don’t do well with a sedentary lifestyle.

Cretans can be easy to train for those that know how to work with stubborn attitudes. They are intelligent but also very adept at getting what they want… make sure it’s something that you want them to do! A lazy attitude about rules will make the training more difficult so be prepared to be somewhat firm while staying fair. Overly harsh training will definitely cause this hound to shut down and stop working.

Cretan Hounds are easy to groom with their smooth coats but they do shed a moderate amount. Baths need only be occasional unless desired by the owner. Make sure to check and clean their ears regularly, however, as large prick ears can be prone to collecting dirt and grime. As with all dogs, brush teeth and trim the nails regularly. Finally, brush the coat with a soft bristle brush at least once weekly to keep it shiny!

Photo by Fainomenon

The Tazy is a sighthound that, while similar to the Saluki, is a separate and distinct breed according to some. One of the oldest breeds in the world, they have been used for hunting wolves, rabbits and fox in Kazakhstan. Because of their keen senses and special skills they have been considered more than just mere dogs, and in ancient times even allowed special privileges compared to their non-Tazy counterparts. Unfortunately they are now extremely rare and on the verge of extinction, with roughly only 300 left in the world. Because of their low numbers they are not recognized by any of the larger kennel clubs.

Tazies have the typical sighthound build – including a deep chest and long legs which enables them to run fast. Similar to their Saluki cousins, they have short hair on their body but longer fringes on the ears and tail. There is no smooth coated version of the breed. There are some differences in appearance depending upon the region in which they are found. Northern-bred dogs tend to be bigger and have thicker coats compared to their Southern counterparts but all are Tazy and have great running/hunting abilities. Besides being quick sprinters, they also have a surprising endurance and can travel great distances when they want to.

The Tazy is aloof around people and tend to keep to themselves as they are quite independent. This said, with their owners they will “show their silly sides” and can be playful companions. They are intelligent dogs but have peculiar temperaments compared to the average dog. There is a big potential for these hounds to become cherished companions in the right homes, as long as the breed as a whole can be saved from extinction. One can hope that the efforts being put forth to preserve the breed will lead to greater numbers in the future.

Photo by Jan Eduard

The Barrocal Algarvio is a very rare breed, not recognized by the FCI although they are acknowledged by the Portuguese Kennel Club. It is an ancient breed that developed as a hunter in inhospitable terrain, and is therefore hardy, agile and very fast! This is an intelligent and active sighthound-type dog with a gentle temperament. They are known for their ease of care and healthy constitution with an average lifespan of 13 years. The Barrocal is a medium-sized, athletic yet slender breed with large erect ears and a sickle tail. The face is somewhat elongated, but possessing a moderate stop. Their coat sets them apart from similar breeds (particularly their cousin the Portuguese Podengo), and has given them the nickname “fuzzy dog”. Color ranges from yellow, fawn, brown, gray, or black; and any of these colors can be mixed with each other or with white. They can also even appear as tricolored hounds.

The Barrocal is a courageous dog who is a hunter, first and foremost. This said, he has a gentle and patient nature and can also make a great companion as well when his needs are met – namely, when he is given enough exercise. He makes a good match for active owners only, as he can become bored and destructive without plenty of physical exercise. He can live in a family with children, or with a single owner. Either way he is known for a social and sweet temperament, and can often be seen accompanying his Portuguese owner from place to place when not hunting.

The Algarvio loves to work and is fairly easy to train! Because he has a playful side, making the training into a game can really speed up his learning. There is Border Collie in his lineage, which gives him his “willing to please” temperament, however there is also sighthound blood running through his veins which means he has a high prey drive. All training should include plenty of socialization around small animals if he is to live with any living things that could be considered prey.

The Barrocal Algarvio adapts well to hot climates and can even stay outside for stretched periods of time, provided he is given plenty of water and shelter. His medium-long coat will protect him getting sunburned, however must be brushed out twice a week in order to keep the coat tangle-free and allow good ventilation to his skin. Keep in mind that this sweet soul is not a guard dog, although he can function well as a watch dog which will bark to alert to strangers.

The Rampur Hound is an Indian sighthound, sometimes called the Rampur Greyhound. He originated about 300 years ago and was used to hunt large animals – many of them quite dangerous such as the lion, tiger and other big cats, as well as the jackal. Similar in coat and appearance to his relative the (English) Greyhound, he also possesses a long muzzle, long legs and an overall narrow frame. This is a very rare breed that isn’t well known in most of the world. In India he is kept primarily for hunting and coursing and is not usually a companion, however he has the capability of being a great pet in the right home. He is loyal and attentive to his owner albeit can be somewhat shy. For this reason, it is super important to socialize the dog while still young.

The Rampur Hound is gentle with children although can be overly enthusiastic when happy, which means he may not be the best choice for a family with toddler-age kids. Furthermore he is prey-driven around small animals and may try to chase (or hunt) the family cat. His prey drive is so developed that he may also try to go after smaller dogs. He may be able to live peacefully with supervision, but it isn’t recommended to leave him alone with a smaller pet. With people, he is affectionate to those whom he knows well and can even be protective of his family if true danger actually arises. With strangers, he is very aloof. It is worth mentioning again that socialization is key – as an unsocialized Rampur can become a fear-biter when put into a stressful situation with a stranger.

Rampurs, like all sighthounds, love to run! Just make sure to keep out of the way while they are racing around – they have been known to knock small people and children to the ground who happen to step into their path! Once they start, it takes a little while for them to stop because of their high speed. In fact, they are one of the fastest dogs in the world! This is an energetic and playful hound that has more get-up-and-go than some of their lazier sighthound relatives. They can live in an apartment in necessary (and make good quiet neighbors), although will need lots of extra exercise in that type of situation. They should be given one walk a day, supplemented with time to run in a fenced area. In general, this breed is more of a sprinter than an endurance animal so fenced-yard-running is the most important.

The intelligent Rampur can be an obedient dog when taught by someone whom he trusts. It is more difficult for him to work with a stranger, so a trainer must gain his trust from the beginning. He doesn’t tend to be hard-headed, can be housebroken quickly and is an average learner in terms of obedience training. It is very important to work on the recall command in particular, although be aware that it can be extremely hard to call a sighthound off of a running rabbit (or similar) once he has already taken chase! It is recommended to keep him on-leash when in an unfenced area that may contain small animals.

Rampur Hounds are generally healthy although all purebreds and mixed breeds alike can develop health issues. The issues that the Rampur is slightly more disposed to include bloat, a sensitivity to anesthesia and osteosarcoma (bone cancer). This said, many Rampurs actually live between 13-15 years of age – a very long lifespan for a large/giant breed! In terms of grooming, they are clean dogs that don’t require professional grooming. A weekly brushing and nail trim should take care of the majority of the work. Otherwise, make sure to keep the teeth clean (as they are more predisposed to bad/dirty teeth than some other breeds) and give the occasional bath when needed.

Rampurs tend to be one-person dogs. They can live with a family but will tend to choose one particular person as “their favorite”. This is the person whom they will tend to listen more to and whom they may be the most protective towards. If that person leaves for a period of time, the Rampur may experience some separation anxiety. This shows that while they need little maintenance care, they do need a good deal of attention. Luckily, while they should be given some training and mental stimulation, they don’t require a lot. A soft bed, a fenced yard, and an owner who is frequently home is often a great combination for a Rampur.

The Mudhol Hound is an ancient sighthound from India, occasionally lumped together as one breed with both the Caravan Hound and the Pashmi – although many experts assert that the breeds are separate from each other. The origins of the breed is said to go back to Saluki and Afghan stock and the resemblance is quite clear. Although definitely a rare breed, their numbers grew dangerously low at several points in time although have been steadily growing, with both the Kennel Club of India as well as the Indian National Kennel Club showing interest in this recently revived sighthound.

Interestingly, the Mudhol is currently being tested by the Indian Army for border protection as well as general surveillance. A small number of hounds have been given to the military for this specialized work. While sighthounds aren’t normally used for these types of tasks, the giant size, suspicious nature towards strangers and natural guarding abilities of the Mudhol gives them promise for this work. This isn’t a overtly aggressive dog although they may react with teeth if they feel they need to, particularly if they are startled by a strange person encroaching upon them. This said, recent reports show that the hounds may be a little too interested in chasing moving animals rather than do their assigned tasks so it is still up in the air as to whether or not this job will stick long-term.

In a home setting, the Mudhol Hound is loyal and tends to be tolerant of both (older) children as well as other dogs. Because of their high prey drive, they are less likely to live harmoniously with small animals. They are easy to groom although need regular brushing to control their shedding, which they tend to do somewhat frequently. They should be given regular exercise including access to a large fenced yard to run at least a few times a week (the fence is very important!), in addition to daily walks. They are considered an active breed, although their activity is more likely to occur in spurts rather than a constant level of motion. This said, they seem to have more energy than other sighthounds and do require an owner who is somewhat energetic themselves. Unlike similar breeds, they aren’t the best fit for apartment-dwellers due to their energy level and territorial natures.

Mudhols are a sensitive breed that can be somewhat temperamental. They aren’t going to be the life of the party when out in social situations as they are more of a one-man dog vs. a friendly, social creature. They bond particularly strongly to one person in the family and will protect that person if they feel there is a threat – this said, extensive socialization is essential as their suspicious temperament can otherwise turn overly nervous. A nervous dog who thinks they need to protect their person can quickly become a dangerous situation, which means that the dog needs to be socialized from the time they are are very young!

Mudhols need to be trained with a fair training style and they definitely will not work with harsh methods. Their headstrong, yet sensitive temperaments make them more difficult to train than other breeds of dog and they are more likely to ignore commands when faced with distractions. That said, they do enjoy athletic sports such as agility and lure coursing and so there are competitive activities that the breed can still fare well in.

The Mudhol Hound is generally a very healthy breed that doesn’t tend to get sick easily. They have no problems living in hot climates as long as they’ve been acclimated to the temperature, and are able to run great distances with ease. Average lifespan is 13-14 years. Add to this fact that they don’t require any special grooming and it’s clear that they are fairly low-maintenance in general. The majority of the work comes with exercising and socializing – two important facets of Mudhol ownership.

Photo By Tharun Gowda

The Podenco Maneto is a Spanish hound, a rare breed derived from the (also rare) Andalusian Hound. They are not recognized by the FCI although they are recognized in their home country of Spain. One of the many breeds in the podenco family – these dogs are classified as sighthounds by some and by primitive hunting hounds by others. If one were to call them sighthounds, they would immediately note one huge difference between them and other breeds in that group – namely the short, somewhat stubby legs! This mutation doesn’t stop them from hunting various types of bird as well as rabbit, as they are unusually adapted to hunting small game in their particular terrain. In fact, their short legs allow them access through dense vegetation where other long-legged hounds are unable to pass! This breed is also skilled at retrieving ducks from the water.

Manetos have a loyal character and tend to stay close to their owners while hunting. These are pack hunting hounds which generally get along well with other dogs, assuming they were socialized as puppies (although they can be very territorial to strange dogs). Hunting isn’t their only talent, however. They easily transition to family life and can make gentle, affectionate companions in the home. While many are one-person dogs, they can be very cuddly and enjoy snuggling up to the people they love. This said, they are not overly clingy and will definitely wander away when they’ve had their fill of attention. With strangers, they may take a little while to warm up but can easily accept new friends with a bit of time.

Podenco Manetos are always red and white in color, with a pink nose. Their head should be cone-shaped, with only moderate stop. They possess large, naturally upright ears which may look extra big when compared to their stubby, Dachshund-like legs. As might be assumed, they are not particularly fast although they are determined, strong workers. They are vastly smaller than almost all other podencos, although they are compact and muscular.

Manetos can be trained with plenty of positive reinforcement as they enjoy working as long as they see a benefit to it. Furthermore, they also possess a great memory. This intelligent breed needs to see understand “what’s in it for them” in order to work, however. Although they have balanced, even temperaments overall, they are independent-minded like most other sighthounds. Some can be overly-confident and try to see how far they can push their limits. Obedience training is definitely recommended to develop a healthy relationship with a Maneto.

The Stepnaya Borzaya (AKA the South Russian Steppe Hound) is a sighthound that first appeared in the steppe regions of Russia. Related to the Hortaya Borzaya as well as the Tazi, this old breed is not well known in most of the world outside of Russia. This breed was often credited with helping countless families survive during war, as their keen hunting instincts helped them to “bring food to the table”. This is a true hunting dog that is able to catch prey on its own without the need for hunters towing guns. With his keen eyesight, hardy constitution and enviable running ability – he is the definition of a purpose-bred hound. Most are bred purely for function rather than show.

Appearance-wise, Stepnaya Borzayas come in an array of colors including black, fawn, white, red or brindle – all either solid or piebald marked. Tan markings may or may not appear. Despite their hanging ears and feathering, they are not related to the similar-looking Saluki. The standard for the breed was written up in 1951 although their rare status, lack of formal recognition and tendency to be bred for work rather than show means that there may be considerable variation from one dog to the next.

Stepnayas are active and endowed with lots of endurance. If they see something they want to chase, many will stop at nothing to do so! As a large hound, a prospective owner must be able to exercise this dog without letting it run off into a dangerous road. This means a large fenced area is an ideal exercising venue, supplemented by long walks on leash. Although they were bred to hunt fox and hare, they’ll chase after anything that moves! This breed does best in a country setting (fenced, of course) with room to run.

Stepnayas are softly affectionate to their owners but fairly independent. They don’t tend to have any aggression when raised correctly. A “typical” sighthound temperament should be expected from a well-socialized Stepnaya. While rare in numbers, this hound can make a great companion dog in the right home.